This Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta combines savory Italian sausage, a rich parmesan cream sauce, fresh basil strips, and tender al dente pasta to create a meal that the whole family will love! This easy pasta recipe is a quick, delicious, and comforting meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights but good enough for entertaining guests on the weekend!
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If you are struggling to get dinners on the table and looking for something your entire family will eat, this creamy sausage pasta is the perfect solution. Instead of chicken breasts or ground beef (probably the two most commonly used protein-staples for most households), we’re amping up the flavor with some mild Italian sausage combined with a creamy pasta sauce.
I’m not claiming this is classic Italian cuisine, but it sure tastes like some of the dishes I’ve enjoyed when we have traveled throughout Italy. It’s rustic and unpretentious and just loaded with the good stuff like fresh basil, nutty parmesan, plenty of garlic, and savory sausage.
Whether you prefer spicy Italian sausage or a milder version, this recipe can accommodate a variety of flavor preferences.
For more delicious sausage pasta recipes, check out my Creamy Sausage Gnocchi, Sausage Rigatoni Pasta, Cajun Pasta with Sausage and Peppers, Tortellini Soup with Italian Sausage, and Pepperoni Pizza Casserole!
Why We Love This Recipe
- It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring only a handful of common ingredients and minimal prep time.
- The heavy cream and parmesan cheese sauce coats the pasta perfectly and brings everything together.
- You can use any kind of pasta you have on hand (penne or casarecce are our two most frequently used choices), and the dish can be easily customized with different types of sausage or added vegetables like sliced mushrooms or asparagus.
What You’ll Need
Scroll down to the recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
- Pasta (Penne or Casarecce) – These pasta shapes hold the sauce well and provide a hearty bite.
- Olive Oil – For sautéing the onions and garlic, adding a rich flavor.
- Chopped Onion – Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- Minced Garlic Cloves – Provides a robust, aromatic flavor.
- Mild or Sweet Italian Sausage – Savory Italian sausage is the key ingredient, offering a savory and slightly spicy kick. If you can find it, the loose Italian sausage is great because you don’t have to peel off the casings.
- Chicken Broth – Adds moisture and a subtle chicken flavor to the sauce.
- Italian Seasoning – A blend of herbs that enhances the overall flavor.
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper – Adds a bit of heat and depth.
- Bay Leaves – Infuses the sauce with a subtle, earthy flavor.
- Heavy Cream – Creates a rich, velvety sauce.
- Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese – Adds a nutty, salty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
- Fresh Basil Leaves – Provides a fresh, aromatic finish to the dish.
How to Make Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe
- Cook pasta. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add about 1 tablespoon salt, then add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
- Saute onions and garlic. Meanwhile, heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Saute the chopped onions in the oil for 3-5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and saute for another 30-60 seconds until fragrant.
- Add sausage. Place Italian sausage in the skillet with the onions and garlic. If the sausage is in casings, use a sharp knife to slit the casings first and peel them off so the sausage is loose.
- Brown sausage. Cook for about 5 minutes until browned. Break the sausage up with a wooden spoon while it cooks to create crumbles.
- Add liquids and seasonings. Add chicken broth to the sausage and onions, scraping the bottom of the skillet to release any browned bits before adding the Italian seasonings, black pepper, and bay leaves. Add heavy cream and reduce the heat to medium-low. Bring to a simmer, then continue to cook for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to reduce slightly.
- Add parmesan and basil. Remove from heat and stir in the parmesan cheese and fresh basil.
- Stir in pasta and serve. Add cooked pasta and stir well to coat with the sauce. Taste and adjust with more parmesan, salt & pepper, or basil as desired. Let sit for 5 minutes before stirring again and serving.
Recipe FAQ’s
Yes, you can use any type of savory sausage you prefer, such as spicy Italian sausage, mild Italian sausage, fennel sausage, onion sausages, sausage links, ground sausage meat, or even chicken sausage.
Absolutely! Bell peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, asparagus, mushrooms, or fresh spinach make great additions to this recipe.
Store any leftover creamy sausage pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days.
Yes, you can freeze the pasta. Make sure it’s fully cooled, then store it in an airtight container for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat the pasta in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of chicken broth or cream to help loosen the sauce.
Tips for Success
- Using high-quality ingredients can make a big difference in the flavor of your dish. Freshly grated parmesan cheese, good quality sausage, and fresh basil will elevate the taste of your creamy sausage pasta.
- Make sure to cook the pasta until it’s just al dente. Overcooked pasta can become mushy when mixed with the sauce. Al dente pasta will hold up better and provide a nice texture contrast to the creamy sauce.
- When you drain the pasta, save a cup of the pasta water. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can use the pasta water to loosen it up and achieve the desired consistency. I almost never need it with this particular dish, but it’s good to have on hand in case.
- Taste the sauce before serving and adjust the seasonings as needed. Sometimes a little extra salt, pepper, or parmesan can make all the difference in bringing the flavors together.
What to Serve with Creamy Sausage Pasta
A crisp, fresh salad makes a perfect side dish for this creamy sausage pasta. Try a simple green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the pasta.
Garlic bread is always a great option to serve alongside pasta dishes. The crunchy, buttery bread pairs wonderfully with the creamy sauce and helps to mop up any extra sauce on your plate.
Steamed or sautéed green beans are another excellent side. Their fresh, slightly crunchy texture complements the tender pasta and creamy sauce nicely.
Substitutions and Variations
- Use any kind of pasta shape you prefer, like fusilli, rigatoni, or farfalle.
- If you prefer a spicy sausage pasta dish, try using hot Italian sausage or adding a dash of red pepper flakes.
- Swap out the Italian sausage for fennel sausage, ground sausage meat, or even chorizo for a different flavor profile.
- Add in your favorite vegetables like red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or fresh spinach to make the dish more nutritious and colorful.
- Substitute fresh basil with other fresh herbs like parsley or oregano.
Creamy Sausage Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb. pasta (something like penne or casarecce works well)
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 lb. mild or sweet Italian sausage casings removed
- 3/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1-2 handfuls fresh basil leaves thinly sliced into ribbons (about ½ cup)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add about 1 tablespoon salt, then add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.1 lb. pasta
- Meanwhile, heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Saute the chopped onions in the oil for 3-5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and saute for another 30-60 seconds until fragrant.2 Tablespoons olive oil, 1 medium onion, 4 cloves garlic
- Add Italian sausage to the onions, breaking it up with a wooden spoon while it cooks to create crumbles. Cook for about 5 minutes until browned.1 lb. mild or sweet Italian sausage
- Add chicken broth to the sausage and onions, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits before adding the Italian seasoning, black pepper, and bay leaves.¾ cup chicken broth, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, 2 bay leaves
- Add heavy cream and reduce the heat to medium-low. Bring to a simmer, then continue to cook for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to reduce slightly.1 ½ cups heavy cream
- Remove from heat and stir in the parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Add cooked pasta and stir well to coat with the sauce. Taste and adjust with more parmesan, salt & pepper, or basil as desired. Let sit for 5 minutes before stirring again and serving.1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, 1-2 handfuls fresh basil leaves
Notes
Storage
- Store: Store any leftover creamy sausage pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days.
- Freeze: Freeze cooled pasta in an airtight container for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
